We
are the Church.
We speak on behalf of a group of committed Catholics from St. John
the Evangelist parish in Wellesley. In our pain, outrage and sense
of betrayal we came together six weeks ago to speak out about the
crisis in our church. Strong feelings of anger, frustration, and
love of church moved us to put aside an hour after each Mass on
two consecutive weekends to address the pedophilia crisis. Led by
parish members, the listening sessions were a powerful indicator
of the Faithful's need to be heard individually and as church, and
of our need to speak out and to demand accountability and reform.
Hundreds of parishioners participated in these sessions and a weekly
90 minute session has been initiated on Monday nights. Our number
grows and those from other parishes who need a place to have their
voices heard have joined us. We call ourselves Voice of the Faithful.
Voice of the Faithful seeks consensus in order to effectively respond
to this scandal threatening our Church. We are sadly aware that
pedophilia is a problem not only here, but in other cities and countries.
The culture of secrecy and abuses of power that produced this crisis
must end. The overriding concerns that have emerged from our discussions
are: the desire to be fully responsive to the victims of pedophilia
and their families and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken
to preclude future occurrences; to support clergy of integrity tarnished
by this scandal; and to seek correction of the institutional structures
of the Catholic Church that resulted in a gravely flawed response
to this terrible betrayal of children.
We urge other parishes to consider this new model of
Spirit-driven dialogue. Our weekly sessions are a model for consensus
built on mutual respect, genuine listening and a commitment to act.
The gospel of Jesus Christ demands our action in support of the
most vulnerable among us. We expect Archdiocesan leadership to hear
us today and to provide channels for lasting communication and genuine
collaboration.
Today, we raise our voices to claim our place at the
table.
We are the Church.
Come join us.
For further information contact our web site at www.VoiceoftheFaithful.org
"...the laity can also be called in various ways
to a more direct form of cooperation in the apostolate of the hierarchy...Consequently,
let every opportunity be given them so that, according to their
abilities and the needs of the times, they may zealously participate
in the saving work of the Church." LG 33
From Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church),Vatican
Council II
TALKING POINTS/FAQs
1. WHO ARE WE? A group of Catholics who share a common view
-- that this scandal is a tragedy that requires us to be deeply
concerned about our church and talk with one another
We call ourselves Voice of the Faithful
2. GOALS To be fully responsive to victims and to prevent
future incidents of sexual abuse
To support clergy of integrity
To seek a correction of the institutional structures that resulted
in a gravely flawed response to this betrayal of children
3. WHAT DO WE WANT? To share this model of communication
and consensus building
To correct the institutional features that support a culture of
secrecy
To reclaim our rightful place as Church; our rightful place in the
"apostolate of the hierarchy"
To restore our commitment to the reforms of Vatican II
4.WHEN DO WE WANT IT? Now
5.PROCESS
Process began with conversations after each Mass -
2 consecutive weekends
600 + participants Weekly meetings (Monday nights - 90 minutes)
Average attendance - 60/70 Newcomers have attended each week - members
of other parishes welcomed We discuss our concerns
We have used round table discussion groups to develop
themes for future activity
6. WHERE DO WE MEET?
St.
John the Evangelist Parish Hall (Philbin Hall) Route 16 &
Glen Road, Wellesley, MA
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